Twin Kennedy

"Twin Kennedy, Chad Brownlee among entertainers at 2016 Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair...Fan-favourite West Coast music duo Twin Kennedy, featuring twins Carli and Julie Kennedy, will be welcomed to the Cloverdale Live Outdoor Entertainment Stage for shows all weekend." - The Now Newspaper

"Look out world, Twin Kennedy has arrived! Newly transplanted to Nashville, Canadian-based twin sisters Carli and Julie Kennedy are setting the country music industry abuzz with their unique sound. With the release of their new CD It's a Love Thing getting lots of attention, music reviewers and fans have much to say about their exhilarating performances, tight and delightful harmonies, original lyrics that ring true, and dazzling guitar and fiddle playing. Combining elements of their classical training with modern country, the sisters have forged a signature sound, creating a fresh performance for country music fans." - Equestrian Legacy Radio

"Produced by multiple CCMA and JUNO award winning artist George Canyon and renowned producer Graham Sharkey, the album "It's A Love Thing" featuring the new single Feels Like Freedom is a beautifully honest account of the ebb and flow of the journey through love and life." - In The Country

"Feels Like Freedom, [Twin Kennedy's] newest single has been at country radio for the month, and getting great reviews and love from fans and the country music community. There’s also a video on the way very soon, so keep your eyes on the Twin Kennedy YouTube channel for that..." (Joshua Murray, The Reviews Are In) - The Reviews Are In

"Twin Kennedy sisters Julie and Carli Kennedy bringing acclaimed sound to Harrington Hall: There's a definite musical chemistry shared by identical twins Carli and Julie Kennedy of Twin Kennedy...While classical and country may not seem an obvious match at first, with Twin Kennedy it makes perfect sense." - Stratford Beacon Herald

"In a very short amount of time, Twin Kennedy...has made quite an impression upon the Canadian Country music scene." (Ken Kelley, Times & Transcript) - Times & Transcript / MusicNerd Chronicles

"Country music dynamic duo prepare for CCMA awards and Jordan River concert...Following the event, the gals are heading over to Halifax for the CCMA Awards ceremony.

...When they first heard from their publicist about the nomination, the twins said they were crying with joy – so much that they called their parents bright and early to tell them.

“We called our mom and dad with tears, and they initially thought something was wrong, but it was actually just a whole lot of joy,” Julie and Carli Kennedy said in a recent interview with the Sooke News Mirror. “For us to be nominated as [Interactive Artist of the Year] is really, really cool.” - Sooke News Mirror

"Music... it's just a love thing for Twin Kennedy...Like two violins synchronized in almost delicious harmony, they’ve become the quintessential duo behind Canada’s hottest new country music — and their latest album, It’s a love thing." (Octavian Lacatusu, Sooke News Mirror) - Sooke News Mirror

"Twin Kennedy - Two voices make one singular sensation!" - Monday Magazine

"The Kennedy’s have taken their classical music training from school & turned it into a sound that is making them a Canadian Country sensation." - Chek TV

"West Coast sisters Carli and Julie Kennedy are at it again. They have decided to make 2015 their year, and they are off to a great start. “Its a Love thing” is their first LP dropping on April 7th. Already riding the success of the first single, the title track, the album is sure to follow suit. Produced by George Canyon, it is a throw back to classic country with a modern twist. The album is full of powerful, yet soft vocals that go right through you.

The title track “Its a Love Thing” is a catchy song everyone can relate to. It touches on love of a career, writing songs and everything that “keeps the world spinning”. The song “Over” has the classic old country heartbreak feel. With flawless vocals describing the back and forth of an on and off relationship, it reminds us what country music does best, break up songs. And for the perfect transition they flow into “Keep Dancing”. This song will pull at your heart strings in all the best ways and quickly become one of your favorites. The Album closes with a song called “Never Will” the perfectly written love song will give you chills with lyrics like “when you don’t believe in love, i’ll love you still. She hurt you, I never will”.

This album has literally been on repeat at my house for days. if you are a true country music fan this release will not disappoint. I would highly recommend it to anyone." - Canadian Beats

"Their album sounds like the work of a veteran outfit and it’s hard to believe that this is their first long player. The new album abounds in good singin’ and good pickin’, and this is due to the prominence of the twins who co-wrote all of the numbers and play their hearts out on every track. The record is full of potential chart entries" (Music Express). - Music Express

"It's a Sister Thing - Identical twins, unique success." - Powell River Living

"Twin Kennedy bringing their Love Thing to Merritt’s Culture Club...Combining elements of their classical training with modern country, the sisters have forged a signature sound." - Merritt Herald

"There's no sibling rivalry here. These twins come together to create beautiful music." - Shaw TV Chilliwack

“The twins are nothing but amazing. From guitar openers to fiddle solos to the beauty of the harmonies this album will be enjoyed by more than just country fans…They have some of the best harmonies I have heard in a long time… [and] there are a number of songs I can see as climbing up the charts.” (Ron Palmer, It’s Only Country) - It's Only Country

"Kennedy sisters have identical musical vision." - Powell River Peak

"Powell River, BC based country duo, Twin Kennedy consists of sisters, Carli and Julie Kennedy. The sibling duo has made a name for themselves throughout BC and are now about to break out all over Canada. They will be releasing their debut album, “It’s A Love Thing” on April 7th, and I was lucky enough to ask them a few questions about their background, their music and more in this email interview." - Canadian Beats

"...Produced by multiple CCMA and JUNO award winning artist George Canyon and renowned producer Graham Sharkey, the album "It's A Love Thing" is a beautifully honest account of the ebb and flow of the navigation through love and life." - Dave Woods

"This month’s Fresh Find duo and country music’s newest sweethearts, Twin Kennedy, are getting ready to release their debut LP It’s A Love Thing on April 7th and we got the chance to chat with them all about it!" - Top Country

"It's a Love - and a twin - Thing..." - Kamloops This Week

"It’s a twin thing - Not only are Carli and Julie Kennedy (BMus, ’08) identical twins, they are also musical accomplices with a bond as strong as their small town roots." - Play In Victoria

"Twin Kennedy: Country Music's Newest Sweethearts." - Countrified Canada

"Victoria twins double the talent." - Okotoks Western Wheel

"Twin Kennedy ready for big 2015." - The Brunswickan

Canadian country duo TWIN KENNEDY performs their debut single, "It's a Love Thing". - CTV Edmonton Morning Live

"TWIN KENNEDY energizes the Streaming Cafe..." - The Phoenix News

CMJ’s Patrice Whiffen has a chance to chat with Canadian country music duo, Twin Kennedy! - Country Music Junkies

XOXO Jes sat down with Twin Kennedy to talk about their new single "It's a Love Thing", their adventures on tour, and their upcoming album produced by George Canyon and Graham Sharkey. - XOXO Jes

“The sisters blend their classical and country talents, creating a fresh performance for their fans.”
(Jason Westover) - What's Up Yukon

“The classically trained sisters have been carving a name for themselves across North America…” (Ken Bolton) - What's Up Yukon

"The audience also got to listen to Carli and Julie Kennedy from Canada who not only played country but a cavalcade of classical pieces - Something the audience really liked!" (English translation) - Nerikes Allehanda

"BC’s twin phenomenon, CARLI and JULIE KENNEDY will begin their 2014 Fall tour in Iceland and then to Sweden where they will perform at the Opening Gala for LIVE AT HEART in Örebro, Northern Europe’s largest showcase festival..." - Cashbox Canada

"On stage, Carli and Julie Kennedy can harmonize in a way that seems effortless..." - Lindsay Chung, Roots Music Canada

After travelling across North America and winning multiple awards, the Kennedy twins will be returning to their hometown of Powell River for the first time in three years to perform at Sea Fair’s 50th anniversary.

“We used to play the Rotary stage at Sea Fair with matching outfits that our mom would sew for us,” recalled Julie, laughing. “It’s just going to be fun to come back a little bit more grown up.”

The twins grew up learning and playing music in Powell River, and then went on to earn degrees in music at the University of Victoria in 2008.

After deciding to return to their country roots, the duo has made much progress. In 2012, they were nominated for five BC Country Music Awards, and won two Vancouver Island Music awards.

The pair also attended the Canadian Country Music Awards for the first time. At the awards, they made connections with many Canadians working in Nashville, Tennessee, and decided to spend some time there. Now, the twins have spent a total of four months down south, writing, recording, and performing.

“Nashville is the hub of country music,” explained Carli. “We just couldn’t get enough, so we just keep on going back and forth.”

*
The duo are planning to set up a permanent part-time home in Nashville next year. While in the area, they spend most of their time working on their music. “I think we’ve probably written close to 100 songs out of all our Nashville trips,” said Julie. They work with one or two co-writers, people Julie called “the best songwriters in the world,” to develop material.

With all their new tunes, the twins are planning to put out their first full-length album in 2014. A tour across North America and over to Europe to promote their new work is in the planning stages, together with a stop on familiar turf. “We’re definitely coming to Powell River,” added Carli.

Also in the future are province-wide showcases in Ontario and Alberta, as well as another tour in October. Then, the Kennedys will represent BC during Canadian Country Music Week in 2014.

The sisters also recently completed their Classical to Country Tour from February to April. The tour visited BC, Alberta and Ontario. In addition to performing, during the tour the girls ran workshops to teach young and upcoming artists. “It was especially a milestone for us,” said Carli. “We’ve always wanted to give back to the community as well as just performing.”

But although they travel across North America, for the sisters Powell River will always be a monumental influence.

Their second EP Small Town Stories, released in 2011, is heavily influenced by hometown living. “It’s made up of tunes that are mostly inspired by life in Powell River,” said Julie. She added that the pair are excited to have that EP together with their self-titled EP released in 2008 available at Sea Fair.

Carli credited small town supportiveness as the reason the twins made it so far in music. “We always felt really inspired by the community support,” she explained. “As small town girls, it gave us a chance to live in a place where we were embraced by the musical community.”

The girls like to promote the city wherever they go, calling themselves Powell River ambassadors. “All around North America, there’s always someone who knows or who’s heard of it,” said Carli.

Both girls say that the classical training they received as children in Powell River has given them an edge. “It definitely gives us a unique sound,” said Carli, speaking of how the duo fuses their country music with classical style. “It’s just who we are, so if that sets us apart, that’s wonderful.”

The Kennedys said they’re just happy that their unique combination—Carli plays guitar and Julie plays fiddle, mandolin, and bass guitar—has allowed them to do what they love.

“It’s our dream to be doing music full time as our career, and it’s really exciting that we’re doing that,” said Julie.

The twins will be performing at 8 pm at the Rotary Pavilion during the Sea Fair celebrations on Saturday, July 27. For a closer look at the Kennedys, interested readers can visit their website. - Powell River Peak

"[They] hit the stage with full force...and they didn't disappoint!" - Shaw TV Merritt

"One of the nation's fastest rising country duos..." - Check News Victoria

"Nothing Short of Awesome...This dynamic duo is winning over a wide range of audiences with maturity beyond their years as instrumentalists, vocalists, and songwriters." - Musicians of Victoria & The Islands October Issue

“They say good things come in small packages so ‘Small Town Stories’, part of the EP from the beautiful Kennedy twins, is no exception.

These native BC beauties have it all; talent, charisma and good solid songs. Carli reminds me of Nancy Wilson (Heart) with her solid rhythms on guitar and gutsy solos. Julie charms the sweet sounds out of her violin, and together their vocal harmonies bring it all home.”
(Sandy Graham, Cashbox Magazine Canada) - Cashbox Magazine Canada

Sweetheart identical twins, Carli and Julie Kennedy were nothing short of awesome. How two, petite and pretty entertainers can play with such gusto and speed is something to see. Just back from a tour of Nashville, the sisters play acoustic guitar and fiddle, and offer up tunes like ‘Small Town Stories’ (the title of their new EP that conjures up familiar images of sleepy small towns) ‘Life is a Highway’ had the audience singing along by the first chorus, and a great ending where the girls say ‘as sisters rather than fight, we just play our music’. Classical training seeping into the mix gave the traditional country fiddle vs guitar face-off something special that got the crowd cheering. - Sandy Graham, Cashbox Magazine Canada

"[Carli and Julie] seemed like a double dose of cuteness, but MAN could they play their instruments! With Carli on vocals and guitar and Julie on vocals and violin they shattered a twin good-girl image in a matter of seconds. These two are true pioneers in the folk, jazz and Celtic genres. Carli is bouncy and effortless on her acoustic while Julie works the fiddle like Jimmy Hendrix on an electric guitar. Together they went through a series of songs that would make anyone who shuns this particular genre think twice." - Lithium Magazine

"These two girls are absolutely, 100% made for the stage and made to entertain. They are packed with a fiddle and guitar, tight harmonies, sweet and honest lyrics, and a magnetic energy that could easily make them the "next big thing" in country music." - Holly Tong, Nashville Local Music Examiner

"Carli and Julie's new EP Small Town Stories is packed with 5 new tracks of pure awesome!" - Matty Poon, Musetta Stone Magazine

"Carli and Julie's new EP Small Town Stories is packed with 5 new tracks of pure awesome!" - Matty Poon, Musetta Stone Magazine

"I enjoyed watching these two live because they're always full of energy, and they're super talented musicians." - Keith Chan, Blogger

By Matty Poon

Carli and Julie Kennedy - A closer look at the sister duo that is taking the West Coast by storm!
http://www.musettastone.com/magazine/february2011/magazine_feb2011_9.html

- Musetta Stone

By Paul Galinski

Identical twins Carli and Julie Kennedy are easy to tell apart. When they’re playing onstage, Carli’s the one with the guitar and Julie’s the one with the violin or bass guitar. Determining who is saying what during a telephone interview from Victoria is a different matter. Even the sisters say they sound identical. “Our voices are so similar we often can’t tell ourselves apart,” Julie said.

Carli and Julie, having graduated from the University of Victoria (UVIC), are now hoping to turn a string of academic successes into a string of musical successes, which is appropriate, given that they played stringed instruments.

Carli, a classical guitarist, was named this year’s top fine arts student at UVIC. Last year, Julie, a violinist, served as concert master for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, receiving a scholarship for musical leadership. She also occasionally fills in with the Victoria Symphony.

On the eve of the release of their four-song CD, the sisters are mapping out their future. They have scheduled a Powell River CD release party from 3 to 4:30 pm on Saturday, October 11 at River City Coffee, which will serve as a harmonious homecoming.

“We are very excited about our recordings,” said Carli. “We worked all summer on that, off and on. It was an interesting experience for us. We really hadn’t done a professional recording before.”

After the launch of this recording venture, which will also serve as a demo, the twins are hoping to record a full-length album. They already have enough songs to do so.

The songs for this CD can be heard online at www.myspace.com/carliandjuliekennedy. The recordings feature skilled musicianship, and also a sonorous vocal style. The voices, like the sisters, are in sync. Their singing was honed in Powell River in a number of choirs at the Powell River Academy of Music, and in school, and they come from a musical family.

The twins’ music is difficult to categorize, drawing on classical, jazz, country and roots stylings.

“We are very passionate about songwriting and performing our own music,” Carli said. “We’ve grown up with so many different types of music. We’d like to think of ourselves as having a kind of Norah Jones and Alison Krauss kind of sound. We’ve had a lot of influences; I hope that comes out in our songwriting. We are classically trained but we have always written in different styles.”

Trying to find what genre to place themselves in is a conundrum for the sisters. “We tend to say we are a combination of all different styles because of our background,” Julie said.

The twins put their first song together when they were about eight years old. By their own admission, it “wasn’t so good.” Today, they find themselves writing with frequency and a lot of their inspiration comes from day-to-day experiences. They typically don’t just sit down and put pen to paper.

“Sometimes we just get an idea and run with it,” Julie said. “Sometimes we write a whole song in an hour or two and sometimes we write it over a period of days or weeks. It really depends.”

The twins have similar life interests. They are best friends and like all of the same things, Carli said. “We really agree on most musical ideas, so rehearsing together is a breeze.

“We’re joined at the hip. We’re lucky that we have each other and passion to reach our goals.”

Studying at UVIC was a great experience for both women and now they are excited about getting on with their new musical journey.

The guitar and violin mix is not one they planned when they were eight years old. However, they believe the guitar and violin are well-suited for each other.

“Carli can do all of the accompaniments and I can switch off between violin and bass,” Julie said. “It makes for a good variety and it’s a great combination.”

“We got lucky with that,” Carli said. “When we were little we didn’t know, but they are versatile instruments.”

The sisters have been undertaking all aspects of the business themselves but it’s time to parcel that off. “Our dream is to be performing; it’s what we want to do,” Carli said.

The sisters are singular in focus. “We play music all day long,” Julie said. “We have lots of big dreams. We want to tour the world. Dream big or go home.”

Carli said the Powell River connection has stood them in good stead for their future in music.

“We’ve been so lucky,” she said. “We’ve had that training our whole lives. In Powell River we’ve had great teachers we’ve trained with and in university, we practiced so much more. Now we feel we can focus on exactly what we want to do. We feel ready musically and emotionally.

“We don’t get bored.”

The Kennedy sisters’ website is www.cjkennedy.com. - Powell River Peak

By Adrian Chamberlain

It's easy to fool folks if you're an identical twin.

Just ask 22-year-old Julie and Carli Kennedy. Today, the award-winning musical twins attend their convocation at the University of Victoria, both graduating with a bachelor of music degree. Each is a top student -- Carli will receive a Jubilee Medal in fine arts.

These Powell River natives are a dynamic duo -- giggling, finishing each other's sentences and plotting their futures. Julie, who plays violin and bass guitar, and Carli, a guitarist, plan to launch a joint career performing and recording.

"Our dream is to tour the world together," said Julie, adding: "We're best friends."

It's a serious mission, yet the two have a mischievous side. Julie, taking beginner's guitar lessons at UVic, was once scheduled to take a proficiency test.

Because it was April Fool's Day, she persuaded Carli to take her place. The instructor, who didn't know Julie had a twin, was amazed at the outstanding progress of his student in a short time.

"He was like, how did you improve by about 10 years [of lessons]?" said Julie, laughing.

"That was one of our successful trading twins things," Carli added.

They've played music together since age eight. As youngsters, they gigged in a family band with a younger sister and their father, a guitar-playing welder.

Although small, Powell River is a culturally active town, hosting an international choir festival and an opera-orchestra academy. The Kennedys found many opportunities to play, including performances for visiting cruise ships.

The pair continued giving concerts while studying in Victoria. In 2005, they found a summer job playing together on B.C. Ferries shuttling back and forth to Tswwassen. Last year, Julie served as concertmaster for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, receiving a scholarship for musical leadership. She also occasionally fills in with the Victoria Symphony.

That same year, Carli was a winner at the Canadian National Music Festival and a grand winner at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival.

As a duo, the Kennedys plan to follow their true musical passion. Although they studied jazz and classical, what they love most is playing music -- much of it self-composed -- in a folk-jazz-Celtic vein.

They also sing, taking turns tackling lead and harmony lines.

Even Julie and Carli have a hard time telling their voices apart.

"We'll listen to recordings of ourselves, and say, 'I'm not sure if that's me or you.' "

They are definitely two peas in a pod. Both sport the same long, curly hairstyle. They say their personalities are similar. They room together, and insist they always get along.

"We really have the same ... " said Julie.

"Like interests ... " Carli said.

"And values," Julie finished.

Are they the kinds of twins who can almost read each other's minds?

"Uh-huh," said the Kennedys simultaneously.

"We'll like, bust out in song together at the same time, in the same key," Julie said.

Having people mistake one for the other is an almost daily occurrence, although friends can tell them apart.

"Sometimes you want to be your own individual person," Julie said. "But then we realize how much power there is in being twins, right?"

The Kennedys will perform June 21 and 26 at the Peninsula Country Market at the Saanich Fairgrounds. They play 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each of the Saturdays. - Victoria Times Colonist